DBS
      Back to home
      1. Help Centre
      2. Registration Information
      3. DBS

      What is the DBS update service?

      The DBS Update Service is an online subscription service that lets you keep your DBS certificate up-to-date.  It allows employers to check your DBS certificate online with your consent.

      You can use your DBS certificate again when you apply for a position within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required.
      Subscriptions last for one year, the cost of the service is £13 per year and starts from the date your DBS certificate was issued (the DBS is changing this annual charge to £16 from 2nd December 2024).
      You have 2 options to subscribe to the update service:
      1. Once your DBS application has been submitted and before your DBS certificate is issued or
      2. Once your DBS certificate has been issued.

      You only have 30 days from the issue date on your DBS certificate to subscribe to the Update Service.

      After this time, you will need to apply for a new DBS certificate if you wish to subscribe it to the Update Service and you will not be able to provide it to another employer.
      Link to subscribe to the Update Service https://secure.crbonline.gov.uk/crsc/apply
      If you choose to subscribe to the Update Service before your DBS certificate is issued, you will need to use the DBS Application number to register it.  Step Teachers will email this to you as soon as your DBS application has been submitted.
      If you choose to subscribe to the Update Service once your DBS certificate has been issued, you will need to use your DBS certificate number which you will find on your original DBS certificate.
      Once you successfully subscribe to the update service, you will be provided with an Update Service ID. This is personal to you and should not be shared.  You can then log into your account to make changes to your personal information, card details, add/remove certificates etc.
      Benefits of joining:
      • Saves you time and money.
      • You can take your DBS certificate from role to role (if within the same workforce, where the same type and level of check is required).
      • Employers can carry out instant online status checks on DBS certificates that are linked to your subscription.
      • The service enhances safeguarding processes.

      To work with Step Teachers, you will require a paid for Enhanced Child Workforce DBS.